Voice of Business: First-in-a-Generation Labour Market Shift Leaves Jobs Vacant

Workers hold a level of bargaining power not seen in a generation as labour shortages are creating pressure on wages, working conditions and benefits. Many employers and employees alike have not encountered a labour market shift like this. Employers will need to continue to be flexible in negotiations in order to fill vacancies.

For the last 40-odd years, employers held the market over employees as inflation rates soared during the 1970s and 1980s and industries found cheaper alternatives through offshoring, especially after China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Because of these shifts, workers struggled to find jobs and wages were suppressed as employers held most of the bargaining power. As a result, companies found it easier to hire and retain. That is not the case, however, in today’s working environment.

According to Statistics Canada’s December Labour Survey, more Canadians are working or actively seeking work. The rate of workers aged 15 or older has been rising year-over-year by about 3 per cent, the unemployment rate dropping by 0.1 per cent to 5 per cent, and employment increasing by 0.5 per cent. Regardless of these statistics, more than one-third of Canadian employers are expected to face labour shortage issues in the next few months to years due largely to the rapidly aging working-age population.

As our aging workforce begins to retire, job vacancies in our country are at an all-time high. Despite the trends in our neighbouring country to the south, Canada’s workforce has not seen the same ‘Great Resignation’ trend. More than 1 in 5 workers in Canada are between 55-64 and from 2016 to 2021, the number of those 65 and older increased by 18.3 per cent to 7 million according to another Statistics Canada report. Our labour market shortage isn’t caused by the ‘Great Resignation,’ but rather by the ‘Great Retirement.’

Employers and industries that are struggling to fill vacancies will need to adapt their reopening and rehiring plan to offer more lucrative and competitive wages and benefits. The early pandemic shifted the mindset of workers as mass layoffs and hiring freezes caused many to reevaluate their work and worth. Now, according to this article from Ranstad, these are the top items employees are seeking in the post-pandemic world:

• Flexible work-life

  • Having the ability to set their own schedules

  • 2-3 working from home days

• Recognition and reward

  • Celebrating ‘small wins’ and showing appreciation for the employee

• Opportunity for growth

  • Additional training following years of pandemic working

  • Salary increases

  • Shifting of responsibility

• Resources for remote work

  • Funding or resources provided for home office setups

• Empathetic Leadership

  • Accommodative and supportive leadership with a focus on mental wellbeing

• Safe workspaces

  • PPE and health and wellness programs to keep teams happy

• Workplace culture

  • Collaborative projects

  • Team building initiatives

  • Effective communication

Luckily for employers, there are still tons of options and assistance for hiring and training staff in our increasingly post-pandemic economy and employment agencies across Peterborough and the Kawarthas are eager to help fill voids.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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New Pig's Ear Tavern Owners Adamant To "Keep What Made It Special" For Summer Reopening

Following Monday’s announcement of Ashley Holmes and Steve Robertson becoming the new owners of the Pig’s Ear Tavern, they were resolved to ‘keep what made it special’ for its summer opening.

Robertson was a patron of the Pig’s Ear during his student tenure at Trent University while Holmes worked in the tavern for seven years. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Popular weekly events included Karaoinke, Pingo, open mic and trivia nights that are being revived as one of many ways to retain the same beloved atmosphere. The logo of a pig’s ear is also retained.

"The spirit of the bar, the look and the feel, bringing back the events that were cherished by the patrons, the community and at the same time, do what we can to improve things that need to be improved,” said Robertson.

While former owner John Punter is in retirement and living in Mexico with his wife Lylie, both Holmes and Robertson say he will remain involved with the tavern’s revival as part of his blessing of its reopening and to see in flourish in the next chapter.

“Having John and Lylie support us is really great to help with the vision and the community wants it to be the same so we're going to try to keep it the same for them,” said Holmes. “We just get to help bring it back to life.”

John will serve as an advisor for the tavern and possible arrangements for him to occasionally run events digitally or if convenient, in person.

While several elements will remain the same, the duo says it’s impossible to fully turn back the clock to its pre-pandemic state. Some changes to be made are mild cosmetic alterations and potentially providing more washroom space.

“We need to work with the city to make sure that everything we have to put in place is within compliance with whatever the standards are today,” explained Robertson. “Once we've done the basic function heating and cooling, fixing up some of the aesthetics, then it's more a matter of tables of chairs because they were all auctioned off. We need to get new signage and all the basic components to opening a tavern from an empty canvas.”

While some of the auctioned items have remained in Peterborough, the tavern is happy to put them back on display. There is no harm if Holmes and Robertson have to start over.

“If people want to keep the stuff that they purchased, we're more than happy to replace the things and create a new generation of memorabilia,” explained Holmes.

Liquor licenses and obtaining various permits from the City are reasons for the tavern projected to be open later rather than sooner.

“We don't want to rush it,” said Holmes. “It's already been closed. We don't want to have to close it again so we want to do everything we can do right now.”

Since the initial announcement, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for the tavern’s return but it has set a high standard for the new entrepreneurs to uphold the beloved reputation.

“There's a lot of pressure on us to do it right,” explained Robertson. “There's very high expectations that we've got generations of people who have reached out who are very keen to come back for that opening week and celebrate but we've got some big shoes to fill so let's hope we do it right.”

According to the official Pig’s Ear website, the tavern is projected to open this summer.

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Pig's Ear Tavern To Be Reopened This Summer With New Owners

After being closed since 2017, the historic and iconic Pig’s Ear Tavern is scheduled to reopen this summer by Trent alumni Ashley Holmes and Steve Robertson.

The Pig’s Ear operated for 152 years and oped in 1865 as the St. Maurice Saloon. Photo courtesy of Trent University Alumni Association.

According to the official Pig’s Ear website, the tavern is opening this summer.

Robertson and Holmes with two other investors/friends received keys to the property on Friday according to the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA).

The Pig’s Ear Tavern closed on April 22, 2017 as owners John and Lylie Punter sold the building following their retirement. The couple has endorsed the revival of the tavern as stated in the TUAA publication.

The famed tavern first opened its doors as the St. Maurice Saloon two years before Confederation. It was renowned as a popular University hangout, a local music hub and hosting trademark weekly events. It included Karaoinke, Pingo, open mic and trivia nights.

“The loss of The Pig’s Ear was more than losing a bar,” said Steve. “To so many people, it was a part of their fondest memories. Dating back over 150 years, the city also lost a piece of history. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring back this long-cherished establishment, where people can once again meet to talk, laugh, sing and form new memories over a tray of beer!” 

The pair want to offer experiences of the pub prior to the pandemic in Trent and Peterborough. 

“The timing for re-opening the Pig’s Ear feels right,” explained Ashley. “Who knows if the bar would have been able to survive the last three years. Taking trays to go might not have worked out. It’s really exciting that we get to be a part of its history.” 

More to come this week.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Ewyn Weight Loss Studios, Ashburnham Realty, Bob Gauvreau and Reframe Film Festival

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Ewyn Weight Loss Studios, a national franchise with 50 locations, opened their Peterborough location last week.

Owner Tiffany, along with her team of Emma, Donna Lynn, and Alyssa utilizes the Ewyn system of dietary plans, one-on-one health coaching and dietary supplements to help their clients lose weight and be healthy. Located at 1434 Chemong Rd., just North of the Hyundai/Subaru dealership, stop in or check them out at Ewyn Weight Loss Studios Peterborough on Facebook.

Ashburnham Realty has two exciting projects coming online this year.

The first phase of The Railyard is located on Hunter Street in East City, across from Ashburnham Ale House and will feature 40 residential and 2 Commercial units. There will eventually be three buildings in the development. The Sawmill is also getting ready for tenants. Located at 191 Rink Street the project has been supported with CMHC funding, designated to help construct below-market rental suites. It’s a six-storey, 64-unit residential building with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom suites. For details on both properties visit ashburnham.ca.

The team at Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory are gearing up for their annual Ascent Summit this Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s a full day of tips and training from top experts on budgeting and financing growth, repositioning yourself as a leader, delegation, building operational systems that work, and injecting a powerful sense of accountability into your operations. You can sign up for the virtual event at ascentsummit.com.

The annual Reframe Film Festival is on from this Thursday to Feb. 3.

Reframe focuses on social justice, human rights, and environmental responsibility, and includes independent Canadian and international films, as well as live events and talks such as meet the filmmakers and artists events and educational opportunities. They have virtual viewing options as well. For details, the schedule, and tickets, visit reframefestival.ca.

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28 TASSS Students Became Budding Entrepreneurs, Hosting a Shareholders Meeting As Part of Business Class Curriculum

There were 28 students of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) who turned a profit as they created and sold a business, hosting a shareholders meeting as part of their curriculum that was held on Friday afternoon.

Several roles were bid on by the students to claim during the entrepreneurship such as production, human resources, health and safety, marketing and more. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The students were tasked to become entrepreneurs by creating and running a business, assigned by TASSS business teacher Blaine White throughout the semester. Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) partnered with the program by providing weekly advice with guest speakers.

“At the beginning of the semester, we have students learn about planning a business and then they start their own business,” explained White. “They're responsible for all of the production, all of the marketing, all of the sales and all of the finances.”

“Youth will have the opportunity to learn and experience skilled trades and entrepreneurship by creating, managing and liquidating a business,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “All with the guidance and support of experts from across our community.”

TASSS students had to arrange their own shareholder meeting with speeches, a presentation and report to the media and public. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The students founded the company ‘Encompase Eco’ which created eco-friendly firestarters that were available to purchase at the Kawartha Buttertart Factory & Bakery.

The students held a final shareholder meeting to disclose all of the earnings and share prices. They had over a 381 per cent return in selling the business according to White.

“It's amazing to me to set the bar and watch students rise to the occasion,” he explained. “I couldn't be happier that they've learned all these really awesome skills that they are going to go and carry out into their own lives and perhaps starts their own businesses in our community but I'm also proud of them as people who have developed over the last five months.”

The students were excited to receive hands-on education instead of learning solely through a textbook according to grade 10 student Aiden Budd, who served as the company’s vice president of production.

“I've never experienced anything like this, the textbooks get so boring but now that I got the opportunity to do something like this, it really feels great,” he exclaimed.

During the semester, students had to bid and campaign for roles within the company before starting the business. The students had to arrange their own shareholder meeting with speeches, a presentation and a report before the media and public. The whole process had its bumps but became an instant unforgettable experience for the students.

“I know a lot of people were nervous to get up here but I actually did enjoy it a lot, I'm proud of myself and my team for doing a great job. Mr. White, I thanked him so much for having the opportunity to be able to run this business because there are not a lot of kids that get the opportunity to do stuff like this.”

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Announces 2023 Business Hall of Fame Nominees

The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) announced the JA Business Hall of Fame (BHF) nominees at the Venture North Building on Wednesday.

All nominees and BHF Chancellor Sanjeev Sukumaran shortly after each nomination was announced. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The hall of fame recognizes Peterborough’s exceptional business leaders. These inductees strengthen the economy and community through their exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence in business over a lifetime according to a press release.

“JA-NEO is excited to unveil the 8th annual class of inductees to join our ever-growing Business Hall of Fame,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “These exceptional business leaders are helping to inspire and show local youth that starting your own business can be rewarding and last multiple generations much like the business leaders being honoured today.”

The inductees were announced by BHF Chancellor Sanjeev Sukumaran of The Ear Company.

The following are the 2023 JA BHF inductees:

• Allan and Gerald Bolton – Formerly Trentway Bus Lines

• Peter, Anne and Greg Elmhirst – Elmhirst’s Resort

• Bill Lett and Michael Gallant – Lett Architects Inc.

• Craig Mortlock – Mortlock Construction

• Neil Morton – Co-founder CORMOR & Co. and ECFC, formerly Studio PTBO

• Effy Peel – Jim’s Pizzeria & Pasta

• Peter Robinson – Formerly Weed Man Lawn Care

• Jaime Stringer – Formerly FCI Windows

• Scott Murison, Kieran Andrews, and Jonathan Moreno – Wild Rock Outfitters

The inductees are formally inducted at the 8th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame, set for May 25 at The Venue.

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Voice of Business: Pharmacies Treating Common Ailments

Pharmacists can now help treat some common ailments, saving you a trip to your doctor’s office. The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce helped make this happen.

The province announced a new healthcare initiative, expanding the role pharmacists play in patient care. The growing portfolio of pharmacists is something the Chamber of Commerce has been lobbying toward for some time.

In 2008, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber developed a Policy Resolution titled “Addressing Access Bottlenecks to Primary Health Care.” While the document suggested several strategies, the first outcome was the Provincial Government approving Pharmacists to administer flu shots in 2012. Now, Ontario pharmacists can renew prescriptions for most medications and offer prescriptions for common illnesses and conditions.

Last month, they began prescribing the COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid.

Pharmacists can now offer prescriptions for:

• hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

• oral thrush (candidal stomatitis)

• pink eye (conjunctivitis; bacterial, allergic and viral)

• dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact)

• menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

• acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD))

• hemorrhoids

• cold sores (herpes labialis)

• impetigo

• insect bites and hives

• tick bites (post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease)

• sprains and strains (musculoskeletal)

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A recent study from the University of Waterloo stated, “more than one-third (34.8%) of avoidable visits could potentially be managed by a pharmacist.”

The Peterborough Examiner reported in 2021 that 11,000 people in Peterborough were without a family doctor and an additional 22 doctors were expected to retire over the next few years.

This expanded role could cut down on clinic and emergency room visits. With an alternative healthcare option for those in need with smaller ailments, this could cause offer some relief to the medical industry.

However, because of the time needed to deliver this service, some of the smaller independent pharmacies in Ontario with limited staff might find this challenging. Patient assessments take time and are not something all locations are equipped to deal with. With growing responsibilities and a worldwide drug shortage on the tail end of the pandemic, many pharmacists have reported staff shortages and burnout. To address this, each location can decide on how they will implement this service. Either a delayed start or on an ailment-by-ailment basis.

This service is free for Ontarians with a health card.

For the full news release from the Premier’s office, visit https://bit.ly/ONrelease

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Artful Apricot, Vik's Bistro, PTBO CPR, JA and Dietrich Homes

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

April Allen recently rebranded her online business as The Artful Apricot.

April sells embroidered art, right in the hoop, embroidered clothing, beach glass art and jewellery and she can spiff up pretty much any piece of clothing you own. Everything is handmade by April so she can custom-make something for you and everything is done right here in Peterborough! The Artful Apricot rebrand triggered not only a new name but a logo, and website, which you can check out at artfulapricot.square.site or you’ll find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Vik Sharma knows a good opportunity when he sees one, and recently opened Vik’s Lake and George Bistro.

Located at the corner of Lake and George in Downtown Peterborough, Vik is open seven days a week from 7.30 in the morning until 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the weekends. The menu includes traditional breakfasts as well as omelets and sandwiches, burgers, wraps, perogies and bowls, flatbread pizza, some spicy specialties, soups, salads and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Check it out at 25 George St. N. at Lake St. or online at viks.ca.

PTBO CPR is a new business recently started by Katie, a local nurse with 10 years’of experience in acute and critical care.

Katie is a certified and experienced Heart & Stroke CPR Instructor, combining her skill and background to teach her clients how to recognize a cardiac arrest and respond confidently to increase chances of survival. Katie offers basic life support certification and recertification and will be adding Heartsaver certification and recertification soon.

Junior Achievement will be announcing the 2023 inductees into their Business Hall of Fame this week.

You can join in on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for the eighth annual announcement⁠ in the lobby of the Venture North building at 270 George St., at King, in Peterborough.

Congratulations to Dietrich Homes on being nominated for the Canadian Home Builders' Association's 2023 National Awards for Housing Excellence, for Best Detached Production Home and Best Virtual Tour Experience.

Good luck at the Awards ceremony, Feb. 16 in Banff, Alb.

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Local Office Supply Business Brant Basics Expands With New Furniture Showroom Space

The new showroom floor is open for Brant Basics as they had a ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new furniture showroom during an open house on Thursday.

(from left to right) Susan Sharp, Brant Basics Co-Owner, Marketing & New Business; Sarah Budd, Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Jeff Leal, Terry Guiel, CHamber of Commerce; MOrris Cox and David Cox, Brant Basics Co-owner during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new showroom space located on the upper floor of the building. Photo by Brad Wood.

It showcases a range of furniture, office appliances, employee work space and more. The open house was originally scheduled for Dec. 15 but was postponed due to weather concerns.

Brant Basics celebrated its 58th year in business last year. The showroom was a way to help employees be excited about working in the office building again after working from home for several months from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We could really show employers to invest in their spaces to make them attractive and make them more attractive for when the employees do return to their workspace,” said Jeff Cox, Brant Basics president and co-owner.

Cox mentioned that lots of new technology for workspaces, offices and at home wanted to be a focal point of the showroom and its look had to replicate the modern products they wanted to sell.

“It was due for a facelift,” he said. “We wanted to showcase more Canadian product, made in Ontario. We wanted to have more space to focus on that and show a lot of the newer products that have some out now to help out with collaboration in the workspace.”

Brant Basics has operated since 1964 and is a second-generation store. It employs roughly 20 people at their downtown Peterborough location on 296 George St.

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Voice of Business: Increased Investment Needed In Critical Mineral Production

Demand for critical minerals is expected to increase by 400 per cent to 600 per cent by 2040, according to the report titled Enhancing Domestic Critical Mineral Supply Chains commissioned by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Critical Minerals Council.

Critical minerals — like aluminum, lithium, and nickel — will underpin our push for net zero emissions. They are an essential part of building electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and many everyday products.

Canada is positioned as a leader in mining both in terms of innovation and access to resources. As demand is set to dramatically increase, the report prompts that Canada needs to act quickly and decisively to address barriers standing in the way of capitalizing on this opportunity. Our county has the potential to increase mining, production and processing of minerals to meet global demand.

The CCC’s Critical Minerals Council is made up of members representing upstream and downstream corporations, academic institutions, and Indigenous associations.

The report notes the foundation for any growth in critical mineral supply chains in Canada is a commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, which includes meaningful and early engagement with Indigenous governments and organizations from project conception to development and oversight.

The report contains 14 recommendations, which include:

• Incentivize consumers to recycle end-of-life products with critical mineral content

• Increase the scale and awareness of exploration grants

• Accelerate clean energy projects

• Provide targeted infrastructure investment

• • Support focused research and development

Read the full list of recommendations in the report: Enhancing Domestic Critical Mineral Supply Chains.

There are valid criticisms of the mining industry, including its impact on climate change. However, demand is increasing. As a nation, we need to work with Indigenous and climate stakeholders to be leaders in environmentally and socially responsible mining practices.

Producing critical minerals domestically allows the industry to provide products for global demand under the environmental, labour, and economic scrutiny we set up, rather than relying on producers like China.

Increasing our recycling capacity and opportunities will play a big role in moving forward, but our move to net-zero emissions and global demand for electronics will require a significant amount of mining.

According to the report, electric vehicles require a far greater quantity and breadth of critical minerals than conventional fossil fuel-burning vehicles. According to the International Energy Authority, it takes about 200 kg of critical minerals to produce a typical electric vehicle. These include lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, rare earth elements, copper, and manganese. China currently dominates the lithium-ion battery market, producing about 75 per cent of global anode and cathode production.

Alternative energy productions also require large amounts of critical minerals. Solar panels require a large array to produce absorbent and conduction layers and module frames. Wind turbines require large amounts of copper, rare earth elements, and aluminum for cables, electrical components, coils and permanent magnets.

Our government recently introduced the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, which largely aligns with the report from the CCC. The future of our plans to aggressively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and meet the targets we have set relies on our government working with industry to responsibly and sustainably increase our mining and improve our critical mineral supply chain to become global leaders in this sector.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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